Monday, June 11, 2012

Feature on the band, The Paper Kites

Words cannot describe how this bands music makes me feel. I’ll try to refrain from being overly dramatic here (yeah, right ;)); but I’m absolutely convinced there’s magic floating through every single note. Everything about their music is perfect.

My philosophy has always been that all the best songs give you chills. That’s exactly what these songs do. Heaven help me, I swoon over their music, goofy grin on my face and all lol. Okay, now after that weird confession let me tell you more about these musicians that I kinda want to hug if I ever meet :).

The Paper Kites, which is made up of Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powys, Sam Rasmussen, and Josh Bentley; are an indie/folk band hailing all the way from Melbourne, Australia. Seriously, what’s with all these amazing acts coming out of Australia and New Zealand lately? Must be something in the water over there.

They released their first EP entitled “Woodland” in August 2011, and have recently had their song “Featherstone” featured on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy (seems to be a rite of passage for most new bands ;)). A placement that’s allowed for a wider audience to discover the whimsical tunes of a band that, thus far, seem to be one of the best kept secrets. Upon hearing their music all you can think is “Why have I never heard of them before?”

I was lucky enough to stumble onto their music while on YouTube one night listening to another artist.

The moment the first few notes of the song “Bloom” played I was hooked. The song captures your attention with a soft and sweet acoustic guitar riff and lead singer, Sam Bentley’s smooth and calming vocals. The lyrics paint a picture of falling in love,“In the morning when I wake and the sun is coming through, oh you fill my lungs with sweetness; and you fill my head with you. Shall I write it in a letter? Shall I try to get it down? Oh you fill my head with pieces; of a song I can’t get out. Can I be close to you?” The whistling in the bridge is one of my favorite parts and adds even more warmth to this already lovely tune. Not only is this a song you’ll fall in love with but it’s a song you’ll want to fall in love to.

“Featherstone” is simply magical. The song and the music video are both achingly beautiful. In a strange way the lyrics seem to break my heart and heal it all at the same time, “Wake up to the sound of your fleeting heart. When you go what you leave is a work of art on my chest, on my heart./And we'll hate what we've lost but we'll love what we find. And I'm feeling fine, we've made it to the coastline.” The trumpets at the end give the song a light and joyful feel.

And the music video… well there’s just no way you can’t smile when watching it; kids living in the woods, dressed in crowns and feathers, having an epic pillow fight? Sounds like all the makings of a great music video to me. ;) You feel like you’re watching the lost boys in Peter Pan. This whimsical video just brings this song to life.

Other stand outs include, the fast paced journey of “Willow Tree March”, the soft and pretty "Arms" (which has the most heavenly background harmonies I’ve ever heard), and EP title track, “Woodland”.

The band is currently in the studio recording their second EP and will be heading out on the “Heavy Reins Tour” in July. Head on over to their official site for more info and to get a free download of the track, “Woodland”. Also, be sure to purchase the whole lovely EP on iTunes!

The Paper Kites create songs that are full of whimsy and charm; they make you feel warm and just may put you in a state of bliss. With beautiful harmonies and romantic melodies, they transport you to a different place and take you on their magical journey with them. And I’m more than happy to be along for ride.